Berwin Heights, Paint Branch, Hollywood Elementary Schools

[Anonymous]

Hi there. Was wondering if anyone has personal experience with any of these three schools? We are moving to the area this summer and will have twin 5 year olds entering kindergarten in the Fall. Would love to hear any feedback. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We've been satisfied with Berwyn Heights. DC is in K and loves going to school. The class sizes are big for K (with no aide) but the teachers are experienced so it has been ok. Then again, our expectations were primarily that school would provide socialization and acclimation to being in a classroom for DC. It has done that. We read and do a lot of educational activities at home so DC already knew how to read and do basic math. I think that we might have a different perspective had that not been the case.

Our biggest complaint is lack of communication and disorganization. There's very little information coming home to parents and it has been frustrating to rely on a 5 year old remembering the announcements from the PA about things like special theme days or activities. The website doesn't have much on it nor is there much paper communication.

The PTA is very active and that's good. The school is fine. The neighborhood is wonderful. I can't say enough good things about the town of Berwyn Heights. It really has a small town flavor in the middle of a big city metropolitan area. Neighbors really know each other, families set up playgroups at the 2 playgrounds (both recently renovated and wonderful), lots of town activities that are well attended, etc. It's a really wonderful family-friendly community.

[Anonymous]

Berwyn Heights, Paint Branch and Hollywood (in College Park) and University Park (in University Park) are elementary schools attended by children in College Park neighborhoods, located east of Route 1. All are among the highest ranking elementary schools in northern Prince George's. The Univ of MD is involved in both the Hollywood and Paint Branch schools, Paint Branch is very near the University and has an especially strong University presence.